The Secret Chord: A Novel

A rich and utterly absorbing novel about the life of King David from the Pulitzer Prizendashwinning author of People of the Book and MarchWith more than two million copies of her novels sold New York Times bestselling author Geraldine Brooks has achieved both popular and critical acclaim Now Brooks takes on one of literaturersquos richest and most enigmatic figures a man who shimmers between history and legend Peeling away the myth to bring David to life in Second Iron Age Israel Brooks traces the arc of his journey from obscurity to fame from shepherd to soldier from hero to traitor from beloved king to murderous despot and into his remorseful and diminished dotageThe Secret Chord provides new context for some of the best-known episodes of Davidrsquos life while also focusing on others even more remarkable and emotionally intense that have been neglected We see David through the eyes of those who love him or fear himmdashfrom the prophet Natan voice of his conscience to his wives Mikal Avigail and Batsheva and finally to Solomon the late-born son who redeems his Lear-like old age Brooks has an uncanny ability to hear and transform characters from history and this beautifully written unvarnished saga of faith desire family ambition betrayal and power will enthrall her many fans.